Moving from Des Moines, IA to Pueblo, CO
Relocating 785 mi from Des Moines to Pueblo is a 13h 36m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
785 mi Β· 13h 36m by car Β· IA β NE β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80 EXPRESS, I 76, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Lincoln, Greeley, Thornton, Arvada |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Pueblo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 91.762 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 81.933 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 71.285 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
0.1% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Pueblo -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Pueblo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 13.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, WFO PUEBLO, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Pueblo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 111,514 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $55,305 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 14.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.42 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.1% lower in Pueblo than Des Moines.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pueblo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 7,340 | $41,440 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 6,170 | $35,290 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 6,010 | $31,240 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 5,440 | $41,710 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 4,910 | $84,190 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Iowa and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Pueblo average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Pueblo sees only 13.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Pueblo, CO from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 785 mi and the route typically takes 13h 36m via I 80 EXPRESS and I 76. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Pueblo compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $283,603 in Pueblo vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 36.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Pueblo more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pueblo is 0.1% higher than Des Moines (91.762 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Pueblo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,305 in Pueblo vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 13.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Pueblo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 785 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Pueblo compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,540 in the Pueblo MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 63,190 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA Β· Pueblo, CO.